Social Justice

Our social justice ministry at UUCOV is in the best tradition of Unitarian Universalist history and principles. We support our Seven Principles, nurture our spirits, and help heal the world through:

Social Service: charitable assistance and hands on help to those in needSocial Witness: publicly addressing justice issuesSocial Education: discussion, study, and reflection about justice issuesSocial Action: organized action to remedy injustice

Social Justice News

People are Mobilizing

There’s a program on December 6 you may want to attend, 7pm at the Venice Gardens Community Center, 406 Shamrock Boulevard. After an appraisal of the book “Dark Money”, Barbara Somma will lead a discussion of a 2020 petition drive to put a Move to Amend resolution on the statewide ballot.“We the People of the United States of America, reject the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling and other related cases, and move to amend our Constitution to firmly establish that money is not speech, and that human beings, not corporations, are persons entitled to constitutional rights.”Already 21 state legislatures have passed or have in progress resolutions, and numerous cities nationwide have passed resolutions or better yet, ballot initiatives. https://movetoamend.org/resolutions-map Move to Amend and American Promise are heading in the same direction and mobilizing people nationwide. It’s time we pressed Florida to get on board!

“Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry”

Our Common Read this winter grew out of a concern of the UU Minister’s Association that discussions of race in Unitarian Universalism have too often presupposed a White audience and prioritized the needs, education, and emotions of the White majority.A group of distinguished UU religious professionals of color was called to form a committee on Antiracism, Anti-culturalism,, and Multiculturalism; their task was to reframe Unitarian Universalist anti-oppression work by putting the voices, experiences, and learnings of people of color at the center of the conversation.The resulting book, “Centering”, captures the papers that were presented and the rich dialogue from the conference to share personal stories and address the challenges that religious leaders of color face in exercising power, agency, and authority in a culturally White denomination. “Centering” explores how racial identity is made both visible and invisible in Unitarian Universalist ministries.

Structural Changes

Recognizing the importance of the Family Promise effort and the large time commitment required of so many congregants, the Family Promise team will no longer be part of Community Outreach but will report directly to the Social Justice Team Leader (currently, Marty King). This change should make Paul and Cindy O’Dell’s job a little easier.

After many years as Social Justice Team Leader, then as Chair of Community Outreach, Trudy Jacoby is stepping down. Most sincere thanks to Trudy for her commitment, knowledge, and contribution to the good of our community and our congregation. Eileen and Steve Leapley have agreed to take on this job, and they will be terrific.

Interweave Events

On Thursday, November 2nd, 1-3pm, we will discuss “At the Broken Places” in the sanctuary Mary Collins and Donald Collins, a parent and a transgender son, collaborated on this memoir, recounting their struggle with their differences as Donald Collins undertook medical treatment options to better align his body with his gender identity.

Come to the sanctuary on Thursday, November 9th 6-8pm, for an informative and affirming event to better understand the current issues and to provide an outreach to the transgender community in our area. At the Transgender Remembrance Panel Discussion (clergy, professionals, families in transition and (we hope, transgender individuals), you will learn more about the "T" in LGBTQI, learn about transgender history and current issues facing the transgender community, hear personal stories, and be able to participate in a Q and A session. There will be social time and light refreshments after the presentation.